Log supporting and log manipulating device for wood debarking devices



June 17, 1952 E. EKHOLM ET AL 2,600,625

LOG SUPPORTING AND LOG MANIPULATING DEVICE FOR WOOD DEBARKING DEVICES Filed May 26, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 mmvroxs. 717? 59/20/02 v y Mc/br CI flawer 6 J MW WM 1 7' TORI/76 June 17, 1952 E. EKHOLM ET AL 2,600,625

LOG SUPPORTING AND LOG MANIPULATING DEVICE FOR WOOD DEBARKING DEVICES Filed May 26, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TORS I in)? Elmo/m BY fla/br C. Haner June 17, 1952 E. EKHOLM ET AL 2,600,625

' v LOG SUPPORTING AND LOG MANIPULATING DEVICE FOR WOOD t DEBARKING DEVICES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 26, 1947 M w Wm Patented June 17, 1952 LOG SUPPORTING AND LOG MANIPULATING DEVICE FOR- WOOD DEBARKIN G DEVICES Erik Ekholm and Victor C. Bauer, Bellingham,

Wash., assignor to Puget Sound Pulp and Timber (30., Bellingham Delaware Wash., a corporation of Application May 26, 1947, Serial No. 750,502

3 Claims. (01. 144-208) This invention relates to a wood debarking device and more particularly to a device designed to debark a full log, portions thereof, or slabs.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a wood stock supporting structure wherein the wood stock to be debarked is supported by a plurality of driven discs which form a cradle therebetween.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure wherein disc-like members are employed in such an arrangement and of such size that they function as the means to rotate the wood stock.

Another object of this invention is to provide means which will handle wood stock having fragments of limbs still attached to the wood stock and to debark such limbs as well as the main portion of the wood stock.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wood stock elevating means which can be conjointly operated with driven discs to manipulate a piece of wood stock and have the desired surface thereof exposed to the debarking means.

The above mentioned general objects of this invention, together with others inherent in the same are accomplished by the structure set forth in the accompanying drawings throughout which like references numerals indicate like parts.

Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view, with parts broken away, of the wood stock supporting mean-s of this invention; and

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view on a smaller scale than Fig. l; and

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary end elevational view, with parts in section, taken substantially on broken line 33 of Fig. 2.

The various frame members for supporting the log supporting structure are generally numbered 4. Some of the frames 4 are broken away as they form no part of the present invention. Longitudinally extending shafts 5 are carried by the frame structure 4 and these shafts (see Fig. 1) are driven by a reversible and variable speed motor 6, gear reduction means "I and link belts 8. Of course the nature and extent of gear reduction means I and link belts 8 will be determined by the speed of the motor 6 and the desired peripheral speed of the discs 9. Thus, the motor 6, gear reduction means 1 and link belts B are merely illustrative of a prime mover which can be reversed and which has variable speed. In actual operation, we have found that if the discs 9 have a given diameter, as 4 feet, that their maximum speed is in the neighborhood of approximately 100 R. P. M.

The discs 9 are spaced apart and fixed on the longitudinally extending and driven shafts 5. Preferably the peripheral surfaces of the discs 9 are corrugated or otherwise provided with surfaces augmenting their frictional engagement with wood stock disposed in the cradle formed by the discs 9. Also, the discs 9 on one shaft 5 are tangentially disposed as respects those on the other shaft 5, or at least in close proximity, to support stock at the proper level on the discs and to prevent small stock from falling through the cradle.

The spacing between discs on one shaft 5 as respects those on the other is preferably the minimum permitted by mechanical designs, and should of course, not be greater than the smallest stock which is to be run. If the spacing exceeds 25% of the diameter of the discs, then limited values of our invention are obtained. If such excess spacing is employed, then there is not only the likelihood of small stock passing downwardly through the space between discs 9 but there is also the likelihood of small stock being jammed between said discs 9 and requiring unnecessary periodic operation of the arms l8 which are hereinafter described. Also excess spacing limits spinning or relatively rapid rotation of logs resting in the cradle formed between discs 9. Also, preferably the discs 9 are of a substantial diameter such as over 3 feet, so that wood stock can be properly supported and turned at high speeds in the cradle.

Heretofore, it was thought necessary to use chains or other similar means to rotate wood stock in a debarking device. The older types of machines generally employed a'lathe as the means to rotate the stock as it was being debarked. In more recent years the wood stock which is available has so deteriorated that full, round logs are not always available, and hence a lathe is no longer practical for turning the available stock in a debarking machine. Also, chains operating at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the hori- 'zontal are not practical as the wood stock cannot be rotated at the desired speed. Also, at the present, limbs up to about 20 inches may be left projecting from the stock to be debarked, and in our debarker they need not be removed and may be debarked in our device. This is desirable as such limbs include useful wood stock. Hence,

in our invention we employ longitudinally spaced l which may be of common construction employed about pulp or saw mills and hence only a fragment of the conveyor and some of the sets of sheaves II are shown. The conveyors "I are longitudinally spaced apart as appears in Fig. 1 and project upwardly through bunks or skids |2. A stop mechanism is employed and. the same may comprise pivoted levers l3 which are power actuated. As an illustration of power actuating means, we have shown a rod link l4 and hydraulic means I5. In Fig. 3 of the drawin s. the. rod link I4 is in its lowermost position and thus the portions 16 of the levers I3 function to stop wood stock from passing thereby toward the-discs 9. Upon upward movement of portions I! of the levers Hi, the wood stock will be turned and moved toward the cradle formed bythe. discs 9. Also, the portions I6 of the levers l3 function as a stop against which wood stock may be alined.

As a means to elevate wood stock supported in the cradle formed by the discs 8., we preferably employ the pivoted arms IS. The preferred form ofconstruction of the arms IB is that they are substantially triangular in shape which will include a quadrant of a disc. Preferably these arms l8. are pivoted on one of the shafts and are movable in an upward direction between longitudinally spaced apart disc members 9. The arms I8 are positioned below the cradle formed by the; discs 9 and are moved upwardly by suit ablepower such as hydraulic means and links and levers. Round logs will be rapidly rotated by the discs 9 but irregular shaped pieces may be: manipulated by conjoint operation of; the discs. 9. and. arms it. Thus, if the operator desires to angularly move an irregular shaped piece of; Wood stock supported in the cradle between discs 9, he canconjointly move the arms l8 upwardly and rotate the discs 9 in the desired direction and. obtain desired angular movement of the wood stock. Thus, our device can be used as; a. slab, barker. Also by conjoint manipulation of; the arms I8 and the discs 9, the operator can not: only expose the desired portion of the wood stockin operative position relativethe debarking means but can jog stock longitudinally in the cradle. For example, a protruding limbor other Surface enlargement may be disposed directly on one; of the discs 9. By conjoint action operators find it easy to job a stock length-wise so that the. projecting portion will be between discs rather than on top of one. Discs 9 operate in the same direction whether it is clockwise or counter-clockwise, as desired by the operator. As illustrative of means to raise or lower the arms: l8. we have indicated a link IS, a pivoted arm a link 2| and hydraulically operated meansZZ.

The; arms I8 are also employed for elevating wood stock so it may be discharged from the cradle and as a stop means for incoming wood stock. In other words, the arms |8 should be in their upper position as the levers l3 move the stock down bunks or skids I2 and toward the cradle between discs 9. Then, after arms ii! are lowered, the wood stock will be gently disposed in the cradle and thus provide for in surance against breakage. when a particularly heavy piece of wood stock is being; loaded. Also, if: the arms I8. were not employed as stops there would be a chance of wood stock rolling directly over the discs 9 and onto the outfeed bunks or skids 23.

Thedebarked wood stock is .fedby arms l8 ont the outfeed bunks or skids 23 and thence to th outfeed conveyor 24. As the outfeed conveyor Z4 may be of any of the usual types employed about pulp or saw mills only a fragment thereof is shown and only one set of the sheaves 25 employed is shown.

Preferably the means employed in debarking the wood stock is a means which employs liquids under pressure. Thus, a housing 26 is employed to confine the removed bark and spent liquid and to direct the same to a suitable location. At the bottom of the housing 26 there is preferably provided a perforate conveyor, one lap of which is indicated by 2?. Thus, substantially all of the bark and solid matter will be carried on the lap 21. of the conveyor and the liquids will be discharged via flume 28. If the bottom lap 21 of they conveyor is used for conveying material, then the upper lap 29, that is the return lap, is protected by suitable housing means 3|}. The advantage of using the lower lap as the conveying lap is to minimize height. Thus, it is within the preview of our invention to employ either the top or bottom lap of the conveyor as the means for removing solids.

It. is. within the scope of our invention to employ a mechanical as well asv a. hydraulic debarker in combination with the-parts previously described. However, a hydraulic debarker has been found best adapted to our combination, The hydraulic means illustrated for debarking the wood stock. is provided with a nozzle. which can be moved toward and away from the wood stock and longitudinally thereof.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, the. frame structure 4supportsthcks 3|. Wheels 32 are mounted for traveling movement in a straight line and in a horizontal plane on, the tracks 3|. These wheels are connected with frame structure 33, which in turnsupports hydraulic debarlcing nozzle 34. for movement in a straight line and in a horizontal plane. Also, the

nozzle 34 is movable toward and away from wood stool; in the cradle between discs 9, as will be hereinafter explained. Preferably flaps or curtains 35 are provided to confine liquid and prevent the same from passing upwardly into the traveling mechanism. Also, deck or platform 36 and curtains 31 are provided for similar purposes.

Fluid under pressure, which insubstantially all instances will be water, enters conduit 38. We have found that a suitable installation can be. obtained where 1600 gallons of water per minute are employed and where the pressure is 1300 pound per nsquare inch. Of course, the volume of water to be employed and the pressure to be employed will depend upon the. particular wood stock to be debarked and the speed of debarking desired. However, the above given figures illustrate a particular installation embodying our invention. The conduit 38 is mounted for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane and for longitudinal movement so that the nozzle 34 connected with wheels 32 will be caused to move in a straight line and in a horizontal plane. The mounting of conduit 38. at its pivoted end is somewhat diagrammatically shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The free end of conduit 38 is connected with a header 39. The header 39comprises a plurality of flexible conduits 40- to interconnect conduits 38 and 4|, and yet permit rela tive motion between said conduits. Conduit 4| is connected with conduit 42 preferably by a leaf spring 43 and by flexible conduits 44. Thus, there may be relative motion between conduits 4| and 42 and conduit 42- is flexibly supported. If

the nozzle 34 and parts connected therewith are deflected upon contact with wood stock supported by discs 9, this motion may be translated to the flexible means 43 and damage will be prevented.

Pivot means 61 are supported by conduit 42 and in turn adjustably support leaf spring 46. Flexible conduits 41 interconnect conduit 42 and nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 is adjustably connected with the leaf spring 46 by pivot means 68 to determine the angle of impingement of the fluid under pressure against the wood stock. While the adjustments shown between the nozzle 34 and the spring 46, and also between the spring 43 and the conduit 42 are of a type to provide for initial adjustment and not an adjustment used during operation, yet we can employ means which are adjustable during operation.

Frame 48 is connected with conduit 42 by pivot means 69. This frame 48 (see Fig. 2) is secured to plate or cross head 49 by pivot means 6|. Frame structure 33 slidably supports said plate 49 for vertical travel.

As a means to raise or lower plate 49, we have shown a cable 50 secured at one end to the frames 4 by a resilient and adjustable connector 5|. The cable 50 is reeved about sheaves 52, 53 and 54. The sheaves 52 and 54 are rigidly supported by the frame 33, while the sheave 53 is supported by the movable plate 49. Thus, relative vertical movement between the sheaves 52--54 and 53 results in relative vertical movement as respects the frame structure 33 and the slidable plate 43. Next, the cable 50 is reeved about a sheave 55- and about driven drum 56. Next, the cable 50' passes about sheaves 51, 58 and 53, which are mating parts to the sheaves 54, 53 and 52. In other words, sheave 5B is mounted on the plate 49 and the sheaves 59 and 51 are mounted on the frame structure 33. Next, the cable 50 is connected with the frames 4 by a resilient and adjustable connector 63, which is the counter part of the resilient connector 5|. Preferably we employ resilient and adjustable connectors 5| and 60 but turnbuokles or other cable tightening de vices can be employed if the resilient feature is not desired.

The cable 53 preferably is reeved a plurality of times around the drum 55 to eliminate slippage. direction, we have indicated schematically an electric reversible motor 51'. Thus, as the drum 5G is driven in one direction it will take in cable and raise sheave 53 while at the same time, pay out cable and permit sheave 58 to move upwardly. Movement of the drum 5B in the opposite direction will take in cable and urge sheave 58 downwardly and at the same time pay out cable to permit sheave 53 to be lowered. The above described means has proven to be a simple expedi ent to provide a power driven means to raise or lower the nozzle 34. It is rapid in operation, smooth in operation, free from mechanical difficulties and permits the operator to continuously vary the relative vertical position of the nozzle. In other words, the nozzle becomes readily responsive to manual manipulation, and by experience operators can maintain the proper relative vertical position thereof.

Means to move the nozzle 34 and parts connected therewith longitudinally of the cradle formed by the discs 9 comprise tracks 31, wheels 32, supporting frame structure 33 and parts connected therewith. Preferably we employ cable 52 having one end connected to the frame struc- As a means to drive the drum 56 in either ment at one side of the machine.

ture 33. The cable 62 thence is reeved about a drum 63 which is connected with a reversible and variable speed motor 64. The cable 62 is preferably reeved a plurality of times about the drum '63 to prevent slippage. Thence, the cable 62 passes by the frame structure 33 and parts connected therewith and is reeved about an idler sheave '65 and has its other end connected with the frame structure 33. Thus, upon angular movement of the drum 63' in one direction, the frame structure 33 and parts connected therewith will move to the left as respects the showing in Fig. 2 of the drawing, and upon angular movement of the drum 63 in the opposite direction, the frame structure 33 and parts connected therewith will move to the right as respects the showing in Fig. 2 of the drawings. As the frame structure 33 and par-ts connected therewith move to the right or the left as respects the showing in Fig. 2 of the drawings, then the conduit 38 will be angularly moved and it will likewise move longitudinally as respects the pivot support 66. The pivot support 66 comprises bearings 10, pivotally supporting sleeve II, which sleeve in turn slidably supports extension 12 carried by conduit 38. Thus, the conduit 38 is mounted for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane and thus is 1ongitudinally slidingly movable so that the nozzle 34 can travel in a straight line in a horizontal plane.

In our invention, round logs or wood stock of irregular size and shape can be debarked in the cradle formed between discs 9. The infeed end is shown to the left in Fig. 1, and the end retaining Walls 13 are spaced more closely at the infeed end than are the end retaining walls 14 at the outfeed end. While wood stock is supported on the discs 9, there are no end retaining walls and all ends of the stock, as well as other surfaces, can be subjected to the action of fluid under pressure being ejected from nozzle 34, and stock is not restricted in longitudinal movement. As stock is fed adjacent one side of a feed bed, the smaller logs will always be subjected to treat- This side will be toward the bottom as respects Fig. 1 of the drawings, and hence the discs 9 towards such end of the machine are more closely spaced than those toward the upper end to give adequate support for shorter stock. Also, the spacing between the end retaining walls 14 is preferably greater than the spacing between the end retainer walls 13, to facilitate the discharge of any wood stock which has moved lengthwise after entry into the machine.

After wood stock has been delivered to the cradle formed by discs 9, the stock will be turned. in most instances, by the rotary movement of the discs 9. The operator manipulates the tool 34 to keep the same in spaced relation to the surface of the stock. If the wood stock should be frozen and require greater cutting action to remove the bark, he can readily observe results and appropriately position the tool. If, on the other hand, the stock is soft and contains checks and splinters, and is being adversely cut by the fluid, he can readily move the tool away from the work. When the operator is working about knots or harder portions of the stock and the bark is not readily being removed, he can direct the tool to obtain the desired results. As the fluid under pressure hits the wood stock it is deflected at an angle of about degrees and thus the results being obtained are always readily visible to an operator positioned above the tool.

'7 The movement of the tool is readily responsive to the will .of the operator and we .have, in effect. given him a powerful tool which he can .manipulate as conditions require. If the stock is round and free .fromblemishes, .he can slash off the bark-with a continuous stroke, and where irregular portions or adverse conditionsobtain, he'has the proper equipment to meet any exigency.

Prior art machines have generally attempted debarking of either slabs or round logs. Also, they have attempted to provide mechanical means so that each surface portion of the log was subiected to the same hydraulic treatment. As distinguished from such operation, we have provided the operator with a powerful tool which is readily responsive :to his manipulation and he can use the tool on any type of stock and as a par-ticularpiece of stock or portion thereof requires.

Obviously, changes maybe made in the arrangements, dimensions and parts of our invention without departing from theprinciple thereof.

We claim:

l. ,A device for presenting the surface of wood stock having protruding limbs to a debarking device traveling longitudinally of the wood stock comprising two parallel driven shafts; a plurality of longitudinally spaced disc-like members of substantial diameter in reference to the diameter of the wood stock, mounted on each of said shafts and disposed with their peripheries in close proximity and forming between their peripheries a cradle for supporting said wood stock at a plurality of locations near its end and mid por tions and for freely rotating said wood stock and providing spaces between discs for projecting limbs of wood stock; and a plurality of longitudinally spaced wood stock elevating means pivoted at one end portion at a level below the upper portion of the periphery of said disc-like members, the distance between the outer end of each of said elevating means and its pivotal support being less than the distance between its pivotal support and the shaft which it passes on upward swinging movement so that said elevating means lated by conjoint action of said elevating means, and said driven shafts carrying said disc-like members.

2. A device for presenting the surface of wood stock having protruding limbs to a debarking device traveling longitudinally of the Wood stock comprising two parallel driven shafts; a plurality of longitudinally spaced disc-like members of substantial diameter in reference to the diameter of the wood stock, mounted on each of said shafts and disposed with their peripheries in close proximity and forming between their peripheries a cradle for supporting said wood stock at a plurality of locations near its end and mid portions and for freely rotating said wood stock and providing spaces between discs for projecting limbs of wood stock; and a plurality of wood stock elevating means pivoted to one of said shafts and longitudinally spaced thereon and the distance between said shaft-and the outer end of each of said elevating means being less than the distance between said parallel shafts so that'said elevating means are swingable upwardly between said disc-like members and said shafts, the outer end portion of said elevating means functioning to jog wood stock, whereby said wood stock may be manipulated by conjoint action of said elevating means, and said driven shafts carrying said disc-like members.

3. A device for presenting the surface of wood stock having protruding limbs to a debarking device traveling longitudinally of the wood stock comprising two parallel driven shafts; a plurality of longitudinally spaced disc-like members of substantial diameter in reference to the diameter of the wood stock, mounted on each of said shafts and. disposed with their peripheries in close proximity and forming between their peripheries a cradle for supporting said wood stock at a plurality of locations near its end and mid portions and for freely rotating said wood stock and providing spaces between discs for projecting limbs of woodstock; and a plurality of wood stock elevating means, each having a wood stockengaging portion in the form of substantially a triangle, each of said triangular portions being pivoted adjacent an apex to one of said shafts and the distance between said apex and an opposite side of said triangular portion being less than the distance between said parallel shafts so that said triangular portions are swingable upwardly through spaces between said disc-like members and said shafts, one side of said triangular portion functioning as a stop for the wood stock introduced into said device, and another side of said triangular portion selectively functioning to jog or eject wood stock, whereby said wood stock may be manipulated by conjoint action of said elevating means, and said driven shafts carrying said disc-like members.

ERIK EKHOLM. VICTOR C. HANER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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